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A Messianic Complex and Shamanism on December 24 Why Shamanism Now? Radio Show with Christina Pratt

On her radio show "Why Shamanism Now? A Practical Path to Authenticity”, teacher, author and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt talks about mental illness, how it’s defined in our culture, and how “madness” may indeed be the beginning of an initiatory shamanic experience.

Portland, OR, December 15, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Streaming live on the Co-Creator Radio Network on Tuesday, December 24, at 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern on "Why Shamanism Now? A Practical Path to Authenticity,” shaman and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt explains that shamanic initiatory experiences often involve a break with reality and a time of madness, which is perceived of as a kind of test or challenge initiated by a helping spirit. The novice that allows a death of his/her sense of self moves through their own madness to the other side of that challenge transformed. The novice returns to a more ordinary state of consciousness and is acknowledged as a shaman. In contrast, in America, similar breaks with reality lead into a dead end commonly referred to as a “messianic complex” in which the person perceives of them selves as a Savior or The One. According to Pratt, this interpretation becomes a mental cul-de-sac for the individual with martyrdom the only way out.

In this episode of “Why Shamanism Now?” titled “A Messianic Complex and Shamanism”, Pratt explores the fact that how we interpret our own “madness” is culturally determined, thus those challenged by a diagnosis of mental illness may help themselves by ditching contemporary culture and interpreting their own experience through a shamanic cosmology in which no one needs to be saved.

Christina Pratt is a contemporary shaman specializing in mending the soul and transforming the parts of life that feel impossible. A teacher of exceptional clarity, humor, and inspiration, Pratt brings the power of shamanism into the practical grasp of anyone willing to take responsibility for improving the quality of their life. Her book An Encyclopedia of Shamanism clearly discusses the basic concepts of shamanism, methods, and traditions of over 50 different shamanic peoples. Pratt is the founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, creator of the original Foundations of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing course at the University of Minnesota, and a frequent and honored speaker for the American Holistic Medical Association.

"Why Shamanism Now? A Practical Path to Authenticity", a live internet talk radio show with host Christina Pratt, airs Tuesdays at 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern time on co-creatornetwork.com/hosts/shamanism/host_bio.htm. Each week host Christina Pratt and guests explore the practical application of shamanic skills in our contemporary lives to create robust well-being, strong and clear community connections, and life enriching spiritual maturity. Listeners can ask questions by calling 512-772-1938 or via Skype. Prior episodes from "Why Shamanism Now" can be downloaded for free by visiting whyshamanismnow.com. Pratt also talks about Shamanic Healing on YouTube.

Upcoming Last Mask Center programs with Christina Pratt in Portland, OR, include Shamanic Journey Circles the third Wednesday of every month, monthly Wisdom of the Shaman talks and a monthly “Becoming a Person of Power” teleseminar series. Pratt will also be offering Actual Energy Clearing in Rowe, MA, January 10-12. For more information on Christina Pratt, the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, and workshops and classes with Pratt, or to order An Encyclopedia of Shamanism at a special discounted rate, visit www.lastmaskcenter.org. For additional information or to arrange an interview with Pratt, please contact Linda Woznicki, 845-417-8811, marketing@lastmaskcenter.org